Region: Rhône Valley
Sub Region: Lirac AOC
Variety: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre & Cinsault
Country: France
Vintage: 2023
The Wine
Pierre Usseglio is best known for its traditionally styled Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but its Lirac applies the same attention to old-vine southern Rhône fruit from the western side of the river. Lirac shares Châteauneuf’s Mediterranean climate and stony soils, yet remains one of the region’s most dependable sources of value.
The blend is 60% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 10% Cinsault from approximately 40-year-old vines planted on clay and stones. The fruit is hand harvested and completely destemmed before a temperature-controlled maceration lasting between 20 and 30 days.
Maturation takes place for 12 months in a combination of concrete and demi-muids. Grenache supplies ripe cherry and breadth, Syrah adds colour and pepper, while Mourvèdre and Cinsault bring savoury structure and aromatic lift. The 2023 remains fresh and medium bodied, with black cherry, liquorice, herbs and crushed-stone detail.
Cellared Says
This offers much of Pierre Usseglio’s Châteauneuf character at a far more accessible price. It is generous enough to enjoy now but avoids the heaviness that can affect lesser southern Rhône reds. An excellent everyday alternative for drinkers of Châteauneuf, Gigondas or quality Côtes du Rhône. Lip smackingly satisfying, generous without losing definition.
Reviews
The 2022 Lirac is 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and 10% each of Syrah and Cinsault that saw a splash of stems and is still resting all in foudre. Ripe black cherries, black licorice, and peppery, savory herb notes all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium to full- bodied richness, a layered, mouth-filling texture, and outstanding length.
91 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
Region: Rhône Valley
Sub Region: Lirac AOC
Variety: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre & Cinsault
Country: France
Vintage: 2023
The Wine
Pierre Usseglio is best known for its traditionally styled Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but its Lirac applies the same attention to old-vine southern Rhône fruit from the western side of the river. Lirac shares Châteauneuf’s Mediterranean climate and stony soils, yet remains one of the region’s most dependable sources of value.
The blend is 60% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 10% Cinsault from approximately 40-year-old vines planted on clay and stones. The fruit is hand harvested and completely destemmed before a temperature-controlled maceration lasting between 20 and 30 days.
Maturation takes place for 12 months in a combination of concrete and demi-muids. Grenache supplies ripe cherry and breadth, Syrah adds colour and pepper, while Mourvèdre and Cinsault bring savoury structure and aromatic lift. The 2023 remains fresh and medium bodied, with black cherry, liquorice, herbs and crushed-stone detail.
Cellared Says
This offers much of Pierre Usseglio’s Châteauneuf character at a far more accessible price. It is generous enough to enjoy now but avoids the heaviness that can affect lesser southern Rhône reds. An excellent everyday alternative for drinkers of Châteauneuf, Gigondas or quality Côtes du Rhône. Lip smackingly satisfying, generous without losing definition.
Reviews
The 2022 Lirac is 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and 10% each of Syrah and Cinsault that saw a splash of stems and is still resting all in foudre. Ripe black cherries, black licorice, and peppery, savory herb notes all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium to full- bodied richness, a layered, mouth-filling texture, and outstanding length.
91 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
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